María de Lima shines brightly in Cologne against the Frente Amplista narrative

On Tuesday, May 6, two candidates for the Intendencia faced off in a debate prior to the departmental elections:  María de Lima for the Partido Nacional and Nicolás Viera for the Frente Amplio, in Colonia.

The main topics of the debate were: Management, employment, tourism, decentralization, investments, taxes, and public safety.

Both candidates expressed a critical stance toward the current administration of the Colonia government. María de Lima, although sharing the political affiliation of the ruling party, highlighted her critical approach focused on the citizens' well-being, stating: "In Colonia, people must be the priority." Additionally, using her campaign slogan "Wake up Colonia," she pointed out that the department is currently "stagnant."

Regarding taxes, a concern for the inhabitants of Colonia, De Lima questioned Viera referring to his government plan, where it mentions: "Reevaluate and improve fiscal policies to increase municipal revenues," suggesting a possible intention to raise taxes.

Viera, meanwhile, appeared puzzled and denied such a proposal, revealing a lack of knowledge of his own program. In contrast, De Lima committed to not increasing the tax burden for those who already make a daily effort, declaring: "The government must demand less from taxpayers and demand more from itself." She also proposed reducing the fiscal pressure on local investors, considering them key to generating stable employment in the department.

Referring to her experience in the OPP, De Lima emphasized the importance of strengthening municipalities so they work not only in urban areas but also in rural ones, an area not yet addressed by the municipality. This proposal is part of her vision of decentralization to lead the commune.

Regarding tourism, another topic discussed, De Lima criticized that Colonia, having the port with the highest influx of tourists in the country, fails to retain visitors, who "pass by." Her goal is to position the department as a key destination in tourist itineraries.

You might also be interested in: Richard Read, the false opponent to the Intendencia of Montevideo

María de Lima: Career and proposals

María de Lima, a prominent figure of the Partido Nacional, has built a solid political career in Colonia, marked by her management as mayor of Nueva Helvecia (2010-2020), where she promoted local development and chaired the Plenary Table of Mayors of Uruguay.

During Luis Lacalle Pou's government, she assumed in 2020 as director of Decentralization and Social Cohesion in the Office of Planning and Budget (OPP), designing policies to strengthen departmental and municipal governments.

María de Lima focused her speech on transparency, decentralization, and economic development through tourism. Her proposals reflect a focus on efficient management and closeness to citizens, with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility. Among her main proposals are:

Reduction of taxes and fiscal responsibility: De Lima reiterated her commitment to alleviating the tax burden on Colonia residents, ensuring that "the money belongs to the Colonia resident, not the politicians." She proposed transparent management of public resources to regain citizens' trust.

Promotion of tourism as an economic engine: The candidate highlighted Colonia's potential as a tourist destination, proposing policies to boost this sector, such as improving infrastructure and promoting the Historic Quarter, but also extending tourism development to other areas of the department.

Decentralization and strengthening of municipalities: De Lima emphasized that municipalities are "the first link of contact with the neighbor." She proposed optimizing resources and giving greater autonomy to local governments to address the specific needs of each community.

Inclusive social programs: She emphasized social cohesion, with proposals to address issues such as addictions and disabilities. She also promised support programs for families in vulnerable situations, seeking to improve the quality of life for Colonia residents.

Coordination with the national government: De Lima assured that she will establish a fluid link with the national government to ensure that national policies reach the department, optimizing resources and projects.

Nicolás Viera: Career and proposals

Nicolás Viera, a leader of the Frente Amplio and the Popular Participation Movement (MPP), has built a political career from a young age in Colonia, starting his activism at 12 years old in Rosario. He was president of the Frente Amplio Departmental (2012-2022), alternate deputy (2015-2020) and titular (2020-2025), reelected in 2024. Since March 5, 2025, he is a senator, being the youngest in the legislature at 36 years old.

Nicolás Viera opted for a technical and programmatic speech, backed by a team of 60 advisors who developed 25 concrete proposals for the department. His strategy focused on promising a change in management, criticizing the "flatness" of the nationalist administration and seeking to connect with moderate and depoliticized sectors. His main proposals include:

Electronic government and transparency: Viera proposed modernizing the administration of the intendencia through the implementation of an electronic government, eliminating manual records to streamline procedures (such as tree pruning) and ensure transparency in public finances.

Salary justice for officials: He criticized the overtime system of the Partido Nacional, which he described as "scandalous" and manipulative. He proposed that officials' incomes be computed as fixed salary, preventing them from depending on the directors' will.

Infrastructure and local development: Among his proposals is the construction of a coastal promenade in Nueva Palmira, a long-awaited project. He also pointed out the need to address basic problems, such as the poor condition of the streets, ironically stating that "the smallest crater looks like the Moon."

Security and video surveillance: In a shift toward more conservative proposals, Viera emphasized the reinforcement of video surveillance cameras and the increase of police presence, seeking to appeal to moderate sectors without resorting to a redistributive or inclusive discourse.

Citizen participation and end of "caudillismo": Viera criticized the nationalist management model, accusing it of making decisions without transparency or citizen participation. He promised a more open and participatory intendencia, ending clientelist practices.

During the debate, Viera avoided explicit references to the left or the MPP, opting for a dialoguing tone and frequently using the word "I share" to project serenity. However, he was criticized for not offering proposals that redefine negative terms like "flat" or "neglected" when referring to the department, which could hurt local pride.

María de Lima positions herself ahead of May 11 also proposing to achieve a modern, digital, more accessible, and friendly management with all Colonia residents.  Partido Nacional has been winning the Intendencia of Colonia consecutively since 1958 and seeks to retain the Municipality on Sunday.